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Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • The Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre is located within this building.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. Options to driving into the city centre include Park & Ride tram and bus car parks at the edges of the city.
    • A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area. The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only, and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to the majority of bus stops let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area of the university is 0.7 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. A sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are intercity links to other cities including Glasgow (45 minutes), and York, Newcastle or Aberdeen (all 2 hours). All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.
  • By Tram View
    • The Edinburgh tram service runs from Edinburgh Airport in the west, to York Place in the east end of the city centre, presently being extended to Leith north east of the city centre. The nearest stop to the Central Campus Area is Princes Street. The nearest stop to the Lauriston Campus and the ECA buildings, or to the Western General site, is West End.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Buccleuch Place)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Buccleuch Place.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the UOE Business School, Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre and 17, 19-25, 30-34 Buccleuch Place.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is cobbled.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 200cm x 500cm (6ft 7in x 16ft 5in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the UOE Business School.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the UOE Business School.
    • The nearest designated bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the George Square Lecture Theatre Buccleuch Place entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is also permit holder and standard pay and display parking located along the length of Buccleuch Place.

Outside Access (George Square)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off George Square.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the Library.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 6 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternate revolving entrance with a width of 125cm. This can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There are also alternate stairs located in front of the library which have handrails on each side.
    • There is an alternative level change into the building when approaching from the UOE Business School information regarding this can be found within the UOE Business School level change section.

Level Change (UOE Business School)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the building on approach from the UOE Business School.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the building on approach from the UOE Business School.
  • There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • This level change provides an alternate route to the George Square entrance into the Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre.

Outside Access (Buccleuch Place)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Buccleuch Place.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternative revolving door entrance with a small step to access the building. This can be seen in photographs 4 & 5.
    • There is also an alternative standard entrance to the left of the revolving door.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the lower ground floor from the Buccleuch entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.

Lift (Lift to Lower Ground Floor)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right on entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Buccleuch Place entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 106cm (2ft 11in x 3ft 6in).
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The controls are between 76cm - 80cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG-G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There are two separate staircases from the lower ground - ground floors and from the mezzanine - first floor.
  • Comments View
    • There is no landing between the lower ground and ground floors.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your left on entrance from the George Square entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the George Square entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 140cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The highest control is 127cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Lecture Theatre(s)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the designated spaces from an entrance.
  • There is an easy ramp/slope for access to the designated spaces.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do have handrails.
  • The steps have handrails which are wall mounted on either side of the room.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • The speaker's area can either be accessed by an easy ramp with a width of 87cm or via two deep steps.
    • There is no turning space in the theatre as the area at the front of the theatre is sloped.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right when entering via the Buccleuch Place entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 174cm x 192cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 4in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a fixed baby change facility in the cubicle at a height of 89cm.
    • The towel dispenser is besides the second wash basin. The dimensions given for the wash basin are for the one besides the toilet.
    • There is no towel roll holder, there is however a toilet sheet dispenser besides the toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to your left on entering the building via the Buccleuch Place entrance with step free access provided via a platform lift.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 12m from the the lift to the lower ground floor.
    • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.